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The O2 is sold out for local boys, The Wonder Stuff tonight, here to perform their album “Never Loved Elvis” on the 20th Anniversary of its release (well June 2011 would be..) on the Polydor label. But first up are The Levellers in support mode. The show is almost a re-run of the March 26th gig, except the bands swap the headline. In truth, the show is practically a double headline… the term “support” is meaningless for this gig. |
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Having been hustled and bustled from one queue to the next outside the LG ARENA I arrived just in time to hear the last half of the Heart Wrenching Pixie Lott's opening rendition of ‘Mama Do’. |
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Ballin’ is the word I’d use to describe Cameron Jebril Thomas (better known as Wiz Khalifa), according to urban dictionary this means you are either good at basketball or good at life. |
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It’s NME Emerge Tour time once again and the venerable (but pretty crap these days to be honest) old institution dishes up some new bands for your delectation and delight. |
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Fatboy Slim or Compo? Jordan or Nora Batty? Sugar Rush or Last of the Summer Wine? David Gedge, of The Wedding Present and Cinerama, has made a success of the At the Edge of the Sea Festival, held every year in Brighton. Already in its third year the event has proved popular with bands and fans alike. This year Mr. Gedge decided to take the bank holiday weekend format one step further by holding a sister event in Holmfirth. Could he bridge the north-south divide? |
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Tinchy Stryder, Wretch 32, Her majesty and the wolves, Soundgirl , Talay Riley, Six D and Oh My were in Leamington Spa at the acute setting of The Assembly. A great idea from “Future Hits Live” as the intimate setting provided a great atmosphere with big stars for a reasonable amount of money. The show had variation and introduced new and well known acts to the mainly young audience. A great idea and overall a great night! |
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The HMV Institute has managed to snag some impressive hip hop artists this year, including Snoop Dogg and Public Enemy, but when it was announced that the legendary Wu-Tang Clan were heading to Birmingham there was a mixture of excitement and disbelief in the air. |
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A respectfully hushed Hare crowd welcomed seasoned singer/songwriter troubadour Vijay Kishore to open the evening’s muse with a mostly newly-penned set of subtly honed songs of innocence and experience. His immediate signature feature is his higher-register sonorous vocals complimented by his dexterous and imaginative use of open-tuning guitar. |
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It’s the O2 Academy 2 tonight, for pop rock band Mayday Parade with support status from We Are the in Crowd, A Rocket to the Moon and Blitz Kids. On the eve before all bands take to the stage at Slam Dunk festival, it’s a good opportunity to get into form. |
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Last time I saw Loudon Wainwright at Warwick Arts Centre some years ago, he was supported by daughter Martha Wainwright. She was very much learning her craft back then, but has since gone on to achieve fame and has really developed as an artist, recording some excellent material, particularly her album “I Know You’re Married, but I’ve Got Feelings Too”. Loudon is head of a great musical family, that includes son Rufus, of course, but tonight he is supported by another daughter – Lucy. |
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While She Sleeps are a strange addition to this line-up, their metal tinged hardcore much more guttural and rough around the edges than the highly polished and produced sound of the other bands. However they take the stage by storm, it's clear there's a few people here that are already fans. |
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First up tonight are the tech metallers of Visions; but it's an early set and cold crowd, they really have their work cut out for them. Unfortunately the sound for these guys is very muddy, and despite hands moving as fast as lightening over the frets, there's nothing but a low rumble and the pounding drums to be heard. |
